Open source hardware in libraries: an introduction and overview

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to introduce the concept of open-source hardware to the library professionals and gives a brief of the outlook of its current and potential application in libraries Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a literature review. Findings: Open source already aids libraries and has great potential but is hobbled by its intrinsically technical appeal. Originality/value: The paper makes first observation towards the concept of open-source hardware with a slant towards librarianship. © 2016, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.